Physicians · Kentucky · Continuing education
Kentucky CME Requirements for Physicians (2026)
01 In short
- MD/DO60 hours every 3 years, including 3 h domestic violence (once), 1 h child abuse recognition & reporting (once), 4.5 h controlled substances prescribing; renewal by December 31.
Official source: the state licensing board · checked Oct 28, 2026
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03 Requirements
Kentucky MD/DO CE requirements at a glance
- CE required
- 60hours
- Renewal cycle
- 3 years
- Deadline
- Dec 31
- Reporting
- Attestation
- Renewal deadline
- By December 31
- Category 1 minimum
- 30
- Accepted credit
- At least 30 hours AMA or AOA Category 1 (ACCME, state medical association or AOA CCME accredited sponsors); remainder Category I or II (self-instruction, consultation, databases, patient care review, teaching, publications, etc.)
- Audits & records
- Compliance confirmed on the annual renewal form at the end of each 3-year cycle; random audit after April 1 following the cycle. Extension request by April 1 ($100); non-compliance fine at least $200 and 6 months to comply, then suspension.
| Topic | Hours | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic violencePrimary care physicians licensed after July 1, 1996, within 3 years of initial licensure | 3 | once |
| Child abuse recognition & reportingPediatricians, radiologists, family practitioners, emergency medicine and urgent care physicians: Board-approved pediatric abusive head trauma training | 1 | once |
| Controlled substances prescribingPhysicians authorized to prescribe or dispense controlled substances in Kentucky; Board-approved HB 1 CME each 3-year cycle | 4.5 | every renewal |
Alternatives & exemptions. Instead of the 60 hours: a recognized specialty organization CME certification in effect at renewal; passing an ABMS or AOA board (re)certification exam (= 60 hours); accredited postgraduate training (50 h per full-time year). State-specific courses (HB 1, domestic violence, pediatric abusive head trauma) still apply. No waivers; retired physicians with active licenses must comply.
Good to know. One board for MDs and DOs. CME runs in 3-year calendar cycles ending Dec 31; licenses renew annually. The Board CME page still cites the 2018-2020 cycle and an amendment to 201 KAR 9:310 is pending, so check current cycle dates.
Source: kbml.ky.gov · 201 KAR 9:310 · checked Oct 28, 2026
04 Questions
Which CE courses count for physicians in Kentucky?
At least 30 hours AMA or AOA Category 1 (ACCME, state medical association or AOA CCME accredited sponsors); remainder Category I or II (self-instruction, consultation, databases, patient care review, teaching, publications, etc.).
How do I verify a physician license in Kentucky?
Use the license lookup of the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure (kbml.ky.gov); the board's own record is the primary source. CE status itself is checked by the board at renewal.
How many CE hours do physicians need in Kentucky?
60 hours every 3 years, at least 30 of them Category 1.
Which CE topics are mandatory for physicians in Kentucky?
Domestic violence — 3 h (once); Child abuse recognition & reporting — 1 h (once); Controlled substances prescribing — 4.5 h (every renewal).
How do physicians report CE in Kentucky?
By attesting on the renewal application; keep certificates in case of an audit.
When is the renewal deadline for physicians in Kentucky?
Licenses renew by December 31 (3 years cycle).